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The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly condemned the US and Canada for smearing the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance under the pretext of foreign travel advice updates.   The so-called travel advice claimed that the risks of travelling to Hong Kong would increase after the ordinance comes into effect.   Pointing out that it is a political manoeuvre with fact-twisting and scaremongering remarks to spread panic, the Hong Kong SAR Government urged the US and Canada to stop their attempts to interfere in Hong Kong safeguarding national security in accordance with the law.   The Hong Kong SAR Government said that the offences endangering national security stipulated in the ordinance precisely target acts endangering national security, and define the elements and penalties of the offences with clarity. Moreover, the prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant had the actus reus and mens rea of an offence be

People usually find rural life a good way to kick back and spend time at a leisurely pace. But to keep up with the pace of modern technology, the copper-based network villagers once relied on for basic telecommunications services has fallen short.   This is why the Government implemented the the Subsidy Scheme to Extend Fibre-based Networks to Villages in Remote Areas that provides telecommunications companies with financial incentives to encourage the extension of fibre-based networks to cover 235 villages in the New Territories and outlying islands. Now, more than 160 villages have already been equipped with fibre-based networks under the subsidy scheme launched by the Office of the Communications Authority.   Keeping pace Since the middle of last year, some villages in Tai O have already been covered by such networks.   Cheung Chi-ming, a merchant in Tai O, highlights the contrast by explaining that back in the day, villagers were stuck with an Internet speed of eight

To tie in with National Security Education Day on April 15 and celebrate the 180th anniversary of the Police Force’s establishment, the National Security Education Day & Hong Kong Police Force 180th Anniversary Police College Open Day was held at the Hong Kong Police College today.   The event aimed to promote public awareness of national security, enhance the cultivation of national identity and foster communication between Police and citizens while sharing joy and fun.   Addressing the event, Chief Executive John Lee noted that this year marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping’s proposal of the holistic view of national security, and is also the first National Security Education Day after enacting legislation on Article 23 of the Basic Law.   Lauding the Police Force as an important strength in safeguarding Hong Kong and national security as well as maintaining law and order and protecting citizens since its establishment in 1844, Mr Lee thanked the force o

At the second edition of the InnoEX which started today, over 100 technology solutions, including those developed by government departments, are being showcased at the Smart Hong Kong Pavilion set up by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO).   Through interactive experiences and live demonstrations, the pavilion displays the fruitful achievements in advancing the development of innovation and technology (I&T) and smart city in Hong Kong brought about by the concerted efforts of the Government and various sectors, the OGCIO said.   Financial Secretary Paul Chan and Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Professor Sun Dong visited the pavilion today. They were briefed by Government Chief Information Officer Tony Wong on how the OGCIO promotes the active adoption of I&T among government departments and works in collaboration with the local I&T sector to put forward innovative solutions, with a view to empowering public services wit

The Chief Executive’s Policy Unit (CEPU) held a seminar today to discuss the implications of the second sessions of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) and the 14th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee for Hong Kong’s future development.   The seminar was hosted by Head of the CEPU Stephen Wong. Four CEPU Expert Group members, who are themselves deputies to the NPC and members of the CPPCC National Committee, gave keynote remarks.   These were Vice-chairperson of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Basic Law Committee Wong Yuk-shan, Hong Kong deputies to the NPC Nicholas Chan and Allen Yeung, and Hong Kong member of the CPPCC National Committee Charles Ng. They discussed key messages from the “two sessions” and their takeaways from the sessions.   Mr Wong said the government work report, presented during the “two sessions”, included significant highlights relating to Hong Kong, and development proposals pertaining to va

Secretary for Transport & Logistics Lam Sai-hung today concluded his visit to Beijing by calling on the State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office (HKMAO) and meeting national railway and civil aviation administrators.   In the morning, Mr Lam called on HKMAO Director Xia Baolong to brief him on the latest work progress on Hong Kong’s maritime, aviation and logistics developments.   He gave Mr Xia an introduction of the Action Plan on Modern Logistics Development and the Action Plan on Maritime & Port Development Strategy promulgated late last year.   Mr Lam said that under the support of the National 14th Five-Year Plan and the Greater Bay Area Outline Development Plan, Hong Kong will continue to consolidate and promote its status as an international maritime centre and aviation hub by leveraging its distinctive advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world.   Mr Xia fully recognised the work of the